The OT and the speech and language pathologist were here today. Josiah didn't have oral feeds for a week due to the increased chance of aspiration while he was sick. I gave him prunes to start off with something he likes and they were very happy to see Josiah so eager. He looks for the spoon and grabs it and gets it into his mouth while I get the next spoon ready. He then drops the first spoon and takes the next one.
I asked them about trying milk orally. They suggested waiting until they return in two weeks and then give him milk on a spoon and then from a medicine cup and hopefully eventually a sippy cup. We'll see if I'm patient enough to wait two weeks. They said it would probably be a long process.
I also asked about speech and the speech and language pathologist suggested a few things including starting to use signs with Josiah. I did that with Isaac but I hadn't thought to start them with Josiah. It's nice to have things to try and goals to attain.
Josiah didn't have a good afternoon but tonight I was kissing and making loud noises on his tummy and he had the greatest laughs with his mouth wide open and his eyes dancing. I had to call Graham and Isaac to come and see.
Isaac had fun playing at Grandma and Grandpa's house today.
I'm hoping for more laughter and less crying tomorrow. I had to change Josiah's face tapes twice today after he pulled off his tapes. He would have pulled out his NG tube both times if the nurse hadn't been there to grab his hand when he pulled off his tapes. We keep trying new things with the tapes so we continue to find out what doesn't work and that's good to know. His cheeks look so red whenever the tapes come off. The nurse said she'd seen a picture of an NG tube taped up onto the nose and up to the forehead. I expect that would look ridiculous but I may get desperate.
Thank you for your love and prayers!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
An off day
Josiah had an off day today. He was very fussy and hard to console at times. He's sleeping well now so I'm hoping for a good night and day tomorrow. It was a long night last night but I'm very thankful the boys did not vie for my attention at the same time.
A new friend came over for lunch and a chat today. It was so nice to have a visit.
I remember when my nephew was young, he used to say, "Look at me, look at me." Isaac now says, "Mommy, turn your head to Isaac." That boy makes me laugh. This morning I was singing, "This is the way we brush your teeth ... after we have a meal." Graham asked Isaac if he'd had a meal. Isaac responded, "Oatmeal."
My mom told me that Isaac was play acting this morning. He pretended that he was Baby Josiah. He lay on the loveseat and said that he needed a cuddle. He heard Josiah cry a lot today.
I need some sleep so I'll say goodnight. Thank you for your love and prayers!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
James 1:17
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
A new friend came over for lunch and a chat today. It was so nice to have a visit.
I remember when my nephew was young, he used to say, "Look at me, look at me." Isaac now says, "Mommy, turn your head to Isaac." That boy makes me laugh. This morning I was singing, "This is the way we brush your teeth ... after we have a meal." Graham asked Isaac if he'd had a meal. Isaac responded, "Oatmeal."
My mom told me that Isaac was play acting this morning. He pretended that he was Baby Josiah. He lay on the loveseat and said that he needed a cuddle. He heard Josiah cry a lot today.
I need some sleep so I'll say goodnight. Thank you for your love and prayers!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
James 1:17
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
Dancing with my boys
I like to put music on and dance with Isaac and swing him around, up and down, and make him laugh like only a two year old can laugh. I also danced with Josiah today, though I was a little more reserved for his sake. We thank God for entrusting us with these two amazing boys and allowing me to be at home with them.
The physiotherapist came today and she thought Josiah sounded much better than last week. She heard some crackles in the upper part of his lungs but much less than before. I told her that he's not coughing much and she thought it was because he doesn't have much to cough up. That sounds good to me. She gave me something that looks a little like a cup to clap on Josiah's chest to help break up the secretions. The PT said we had lucked out with our nurse as she has experience doing chest percussions on other patients.
A couple from church dropped by with a surprise meal today and they were treated to big smiles from Josiah. I haven't seen him with that many smiles for ages. He enjoys me kissing his tummy and chest and also throwing his blanket up high and bringing it down over our two heads. You know he's happy when he starts cooing and his eyes light up and he may kick his feet.
Isaac and I enjoyed the program at the library this morning. He seems like a different boy there - he's very quiet and doesn't smile until I remind him. He's Mr. Serious, taking everything in. Thankfully, he went to bed better tonight. Graham is an amazing Daddy. He's always coming up with new ways to stop the crying. The other night it was, "Listen for the raindrops" and tonight it was "Okay, you can cry for ten more seconds."
Josiah had a good day with more time playing on his mat and sitting in his chair. He keeps scratching and rubbing his face but I'm not sure if it's due to the morphine or just the tapes that are bothering him.
Thank you for reading and praying!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Matthew 6:33
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
The physiotherapist came today and she thought Josiah sounded much better than last week. She heard some crackles in the upper part of his lungs but much less than before. I told her that he's not coughing much and she thought it was because he doesn't have much to cough up. That sounds good to me. She gave me something that looks a little like a cup to clap on Josiah's chest to help break up the secretions. The PT said we had lucked out with our nurse as she has experience doing chest percussions on other patients.
A couple from church dropped by with a surprise meal today and they were treated to big smiles from Josiah. I haven't seen him with that many smiles for ages. He enjoys me kissing his tummy and chest and also throwing his blanket up high and bringing it down over our two heads. You know he's happy when he starts cooing and his eyes light up and he may kick his feet.
Isaac and I enjoyed the program at the library this morning. He seems like a different boy there - he's very quiet and doesn't smile until I remind him. He's Mr. Serious, taking everything in. Thankfully, he went to bed better tonight. Graham is an amazing Daddy. He's always coming up with new ways to stop the crying. The other night it was, "Listen for the raindrops" and tonight it was "Okay, you can cry for ten more seconds."
Josiah had a good day with more time playing on his mat and sitting in his chair. He keeps scratching and rubbing his face but I'm not sure if it's due to the morphine or just the tapes that are bothering him.
Thank you for reading and praying!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Matthew 6:33
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Monday, 4 February 2013
Goodnight
Last night I spent part of the night in Josiah's room. He awoke around 3:30 and didn't want to go back to sleep. He needed the higher dose of morphine most of today. I'm looking forward to seeing the physiotherapist tomorrow and getting her assessment. The early morning seems to be his worst time.
Isaac helped me vacuum today. He moved things that were in my way. We had a good day together, though my little boy who used to go to bed perfectly has disappeared. He still goes down for his nap really well but there was lots of crying tonight.
I made a stew for dinner tonight. It was nice to cook again. If Josiah is doing alright tomorrow morning, I'll go to the library program with Isaac and pray that he doesn't catch any sickness there.
We finished watching the movie OctoberBaby. I'm afraid I've been very ignorant. I hadn't realized that some abortions fail and that there are abortion survivors.
It's time to say goodnight. Thank you for your prayers! We couldn't do this alone.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
Isaac helped me vacuum today. He moved things that were in my way. We had a good day together, though my little boy who used to go to bed perfectly has disappeared. He still goes down for his nap really well but there was lots of crying tonight.
I made a stew for dinner tonight. It was nice to cook again. If Josiah is doing alright tomorrow morning, I'll go to the library program with Isaac and pray that he doesn't catch any sickness there.
We finished watching the movie OctoberBaby. I'm afraid I've been very ignorant. I hadn't realized that some abortions fail and that there are abortion survivors.
It's time to say goodnight. Thank you for your prayers! We couldn't do this alone.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
Sunday, 3 February 2013
A new tooth!
Graham took Isaac to church this morning and I spent time with Josiah. At the moment we're past the stage of needing two of us with Josiah as he seems much more stable. Recently he hasn't had episodes where one of us needs to hold him and the other gets the blow-by and the morphine.
Josiah was more awake today than he has been the last few days but he did have a long nap on Mommy in the afternoon. He moaned more today but it didn't seem like he was in a lot of pain. I forgot to mention yesterday's excitement: Graham found a third tooth coming in! This is his first top tooth and also the first tooth to come in at home. He's had his other two bottom teeth for months. So, he could be experiencing teething pain.
He didn't cough much today but I can still feel the congestion in his lungs when I hold him. It will be nice to have the physiotherapist work on him later this week. She said she'll bring a cup of some sort to help me clap on his chest.
Josiah had some smiles today that were lovely to see. It's hard not to wonder if God's going to let us keep him when he seems to be doing well. We're thankful to have him right now.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner tonight. We are blessed. Thank you for your love and prayers!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Isaiah 41:10
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Josiah was more awake today than he has been the last few days but he did have a long nap on Mommy in the afternoon. He moaned more today but it didn't seem like he was in a lot of pain. I forgot to mention yesterday's excitement: Graham found a third tooth coming in! This is his first top tooth and also the first tooth to come in at home. He's had his other two bottom teeth for months. So, he could be experiencing teething pain.
He didn't cough much today but I can still feel the congestion in his lungs when I hold him. It will be nice to have the physiotherapist work on him later this week. She said she'll bring a cup of some sort to help me clap on his chest.
Josiah had some smiles today that were lovely to see. It's hard not to wonder if God's going to let us keep him when he seems to be doing well. We're thankful to have him right now.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner tonight. We are blessed. Thank you for your love and prayers!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Isaiah 41:10
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Saturday, 2 February 2013
Our outing
It was great to sleep in my bed last night and not in Josiah's room. Graham and I actually watched half a movie on the laptop in our room before we went to sleep. It was a very nice change though it meant that we were both a little extra sleepy today.
The nurse was here this morning. After spending some time on his mat, Josiah slept most of the morning on the nurse and then in his chair. He was ready to play a little more in the afternoon.
Graham, Isaac and I went to get Isaac's hair cut this morning. It's needed a cut for a while now. It was nice for the three of us to be out together - we celebrated with a couple of timbits for Isaac.
Josiah is still very congested (you can feel it just by holding him) but he isn't coughing very much. I believe a visiting nurse will drop by tomorrow to check up on him.
Thank you for your prayers and support - it means a lot!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Isaiah 40:31
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
The nurse was here this morning. After spending some time on his mat, Josiah slept most of the morning on the nurse and then in his chair. He was ready to play a little more in the afternoon.
Graham, Isaac and I went to get Isaac's hair cut this morning. It's needed a cut for a while now. It was nice for the three of us to be out together - we celebrated with a couple of timbits for Isaac.
Josiah is still very congested (you can feel it just by holding him) but he isn't coughing very much. I believe a visiting nurse will drop by tomorrow to check up on him.
Thank you for your prayers and support - it means a lot!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Isaiah 40:31
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Friday, 1 February 2013
Happy February
Josiah had a much better night last night. He didn't have a long coughing spell and his sat monitor didn't keep ringing off. I fell asleep on the chair beside him as I put the dishwasher on late and I wouldn't have been able to hear him from my bed. When I woke up it was 5:30 and almost time to heat his milk. Thank You Lord for a good night! I think I will be in my own bed tonight.
We had a good day with our new nurse. Josiah was quite sleepy but he enjoyed time on his mat and in his chair and in Grandma F.'s arms. All the grandparents were here at different times today so that I would be able to spend time with our new nurse as needed.
The physiotherapist phoned me today and gave me some suggestions. I thought crackles were worse than wheezing but it's actually the other way around so Josiah's crackles are a good sign that things are less tight in his lungs. We're doing some clapping on his chest to help with his secretions.
A friend from church came over with some delicious chili and she also brought some oil of oregano to help with my cold! I have heard great things about oil of oregano so I'm excited that I will soon be feeling like a new woman!
Another friend came over for a visit this afternoon. It was great to catch up with her. I thank God for wonderful friends.
Josiah's skin beneath his face tapes was very red so we have changed the tape and moved it to the other side of his face. We'll keep alternating sides and hopefully that will allow the skin to heal.
It's time to say goodnight. Thank you for your support and prayers! God is good. Happy February.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
2 Corinthians 4:18
So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
We had a good day with our new nurse. Josiah was quite sleepy but he enjoyed time on his mat and in his chair and in Grandma F.'s arms. All the grandparents were here at different times today so that I would be able to spend time with our new nurse as needed.
The physiotherapist phoned me today and gave me some suggestions. I thought crackles were worse than wheezing but it's actually the other way around so Josiah's crackles are a good sign that things are less tight in his lungs. We're doing some clapping on his chest to help with his secretions.
A friend from church came over with some delicious chili and she also brought some oil of oregano to help with my cold! I have heard great things about oil of oregano so I'm excited that I will soon be feeling like a new woman!
Another friend came over for a visit this afternoon. It was great to catch up with her. I thank God for wonderful friends.
Josiah's skin beneath his face tapes was very red so we have changed the tape and moved it to the other side of his face. We'll keep alternating sides and hopefully that will allow the skin to heal.
It's time to say goodnight. Thank you for your support and prayers! God is good. Happy February.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
2 Corinthians 4:18
So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
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